Welcome to the 2011-2012 school year at Manatee School For the Arts.  This year presents many exciting changes with our continued dedication to improving student performance, both in and out of the classroom.  The secondary years present many challenges for students and parents.  The faculty and staff of MSA are here to guide students through this challenging time and prepare students for their future. In addition to challenging students academically and artistically throughout the year in their classes, students have the opportunity to participate in many extra-curricular groups and clubs.

As a school for the arts, MSA is dedicated to meeting all student learning styles and developing an educational program that meets the needs of all children.  Students learn in different ways, and our teachers focus on providing materials in a varied manner.  Using the modified block (A-day/B-day) schedule, students are given the time each day to explore subject matter in great depth, as well as have time to perfect skills in art, music, dance, and theatre.  We are dedicated to providing students opportunities they would not have in other schools and making MSA a special learning community.

MSA is in a building phase again!! We are in the process of building a three story building that will hopefully be ready for the opening of school this year.  If not, it will be done by early September.  The new buidling will house PE and our 10th - 12th grade academic programing, mainly.  MSA is always an exicting place for growth and learning!!

Everyone at MSA is focused on improving student achievement on the FCAT.  MSA students continue to improve in all areas of tesing.  Our students are at the top performers in Manatee County in many areas, but are always looking to improve. The journey is not complete until we have 100% of our students meeting proficiency. As you know, all 6^th through 10^th grade students are assessed in Reading. 8^th and 11^th grade students will be assessed in Science, and 8^th and 10^th grade students in Writing in the spring. We are at a transision point this year with the Math testing.  6th -8th grade students will continue to take the FCAT Math.  The High School students will take the End of Course test in Algebra I or Geometery.  No longer at the high school level will students take the inclusive FCAT in math.  The state is transitioning to End of Course, Final Exam style testing at the high school level. All students will have to pass the 10th grade reading FCAT as well as some End of Course testing requirements in math and eventually science to graduate. We are dedicated to aiding students to achieve higher on all these assessments.  We continually look forward to developing student achievement further.

With all the outstanding programs at our school, we hope to reach every student and help them achieve their best.  Meeting students with varied intelligence strengths, and infusing the arts into all instruction is the focus for all we do.  Manatee School For the Arts is a GREAT place to learn and grow.  The challenges we face, we face together.  There are so many opportunities for students here at school, and we would like to encourage everyone to be a part of as much as possible.   

Community is key to the success of a school, and we would like to thank you for your continued support.  Parents, community groups, teachers, and administrators will continue to work together to provide a well-rounded education for the students of our school.  We would like to extend a continued invitation for you to be active in our PTO and specific booster groups throughout the school, as well as volunteer at the school. We greatly encourage you to attend school events, and to support our children as they are going through this challenging time in their lives.  There is a great amount of talent here at MSA, and your support of them is crucial to their success.

We believe in open communications with parents and the community.  Please do not ever hesitate to contact us at 721-6800 with any questions or concerns.  Please also check out your child’s classes and performance on the EdLine page regularly, and let us know if you have any questions. The entire family here at Manatee School For the Arts is looking forward to an engaging school year, and to seeing you at the many exciting events and activities throughout the year.  Together, we will put children first.

Dr. Bill Jones                                                              Terence Devine

Principal                                                                      Assistant Principal